Human remains found in burnt-out van in Newmilns, Ayrshire

Detectives are appealing for information after human remains were discovered in a burnt-out van in Newmilns, Ayrshire, on Monday, 24 June, 2024.

Around 12.05pm, emergency services were called to a report of a vehicle on fire in a layby on a single-track road between Priestland and Darvel in the Galston Moor area. This area is known locally as Monk Belt or Mast Walk.

Formal identification of the remains is yet to take place. The death is being treated as unexplained, and enquiries are at an early stage to establish the full circumstances.

Detective Inspector Craig Gilmour said: “At this stage of our investigation, it is unclear why the van was parked in this layby or how it came to be on fire. It is vital anyone with information comes forward.

“The area is very picturesque and popular with walkers and dog walkers, and it's thought a number of vehicles will have passed by the scene at the time.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in the area around midday on Monday and may have seen a white van parked in a layby, or a van on fire, to please get in touch.

“I would also ask if you heard any loud noises, or any motorists with dashcam footage which could be of significance, to please get in touch."

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1615 of Monday, 24 June, 2024.